Fall means apple picking at orchards across Minnesota

It's fall in Minnesota and you know what that means? It's apple-picking time. WCCO's Ari Bergeron visited Minnetonka Orchards in Minnetrista and baked up a story.

You all know the delicious sound of a sweet tango apple, and this one comes from Minnesota's oldest orchard.

"We had trees planted in the (1970s)," says wine and cidermaker Sean Reeves about the orchard which dates back to 1976.

But weather plays a role even after nearly five decades, and that means the time of year they open can vary.

"It's hard each year to dictate when you're opening because it depends on the apples," Reeves explains.

This year they opened on Labor Day and picking apples is a fall tradition in the state because it coincides so well with the weather changing.

"You bundle up in a sweatshirt, you get a hot cider, pick some apples," Reeves says of the traditions. "I mean, when I think of fall, I think of just like the baking spice smell, you know, cinnamon, nutmeg, apples, apple pies. It's just part of the Minnesota culture."

Obviously, they're not the only orchard in the state, but it doesn't matter to Reeves.

"It's not a competition," he says. "It's something that makes Minnesota special."

There are several apple options to choose from.

"One of the first picks is called Zestar, it's a very popular apple for baking," says Reeves. "And then my favorite apple we have is Sweet Tango. Lots of varietals out here to choose from."

If you're thinking of a good date night in the fall, this could be ripe - ahem - for you.

The orchard is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and it's free during weekdays. Weekend admission is $10 for adults and $7 for children and those tickets include unlimited hayrides. They'll stay open until Halloween.